Parliamentarians get immersed in Jewish Melbourne

Fifteen Victorian Members of Parliament have participated in the Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s (JCCV’s) 2015 Politicians’ Jewish Immersion Day, visiting Jewish Care, the Jewish Museum of Australia, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, the Jewish Holocaust Centre and the Beth Weizmann Community Centre.

Politicians and Jewish Melbourne

JCCV President Jennifer Huppert said, “This is an important event, giving parliamentarians the opportunity to experience first hand some of the diverse elements of the Melbourne Jewish community, including a brief introduction to Judaism and the many different ways it is expressed, and an explanation of some of the major issues and concerns of the Jewish community.”

“The JCCV would like to thank the politicians from the Labor, Liberal and Greens parties who participated, the affiliates who hosted visits, and the community leaders who participated in the luncheon discussion on issues including community security, interfaith relations, women’s projects, anti-Semitism and online hate, Israel, education and religious instruction in schools and the model Shabbat led by Rabbi Lazarow, including the Zionist Council of Victoria, Jewish Care, NCJWA, B’nai B’rith, UJEB, TBI, AUJS, OHPI and the Association of Jewish Schools.”

Bill Appleby outlined the changing welfare needs of the Jewish community and Jewish Care’s planned major projects, Rebecca Forgasz presented a brief overview of the history of the Victorian Jewish community, as well as a tour of the new Andy Warhol exhibit, Rabbi Glasman provided an introduction to the Synagogue and Judaism, Pauline Rockman and Warren Fineberg hosted a tour of the Jewish Holocaust Centre while community leaders including Jennifer Huppert, Sam Tatarka, and Shirley Glance led discussions on community issues and initiatives.

Ms Huppert said, “the excellent turnout from the politicians from the 3 parties demonstrates a serious commitment to understanding and working with our community.”

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